Thinking of Making an Offer? 4 Tips for Success

So you’ve been searching for that perfect house to call a ‘home,’ and you finally found one! The price is right, and in such a competitive market that you want to make sure you make a good offer so that you can guarantee your dream of making this house yours comes true!

Freddie Mac covered “4 Tips for Making an Offer” in their latest Executive Perspective. Here are the 4 Tips they covered along with some additional information for your consideration:

1. Understand How Much You Can Afford

“While it’s not nearly as fun as house hunting, fully understanding your finances is critical in making an offer.”

This ‘tip’ or ‘step’ really should take place before you start your home search process.

As we’ve mentioned before, getting pre-approved is one of many steps that will show home sellers that you are serious about buying, and will allow you to make your offer with the confidence of knowing that you have already been approved for a mortgage for that amount. You will also need to know if you are prepared to make any repairs that may need to be made to the house (ex: new roof, new furnace).

2. Act Fast

“Even though there are fewer investors, the inventory of homes for sale is also low and competition for housing continues to heat up in many parts of the country.”

According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report, the inventory of homes for sale is currently at a 3.6-month supply; This is well below the 6-month supply that is needed for a ‘normal’ market. Buyer demand has continued to outpace the supply of homes for sale, causing buyers to compete with each other for their dream homes.

Make sure that as soon as you decide that you want to make an offer, you work with your agent to present it as soon as possible.

3. Make a Solid Offer

Freddie Mac offers this advice to help make your offer the strongest it can be:

“Your strongest offer will be comparable with other sales and listings in the neighborhood. A licensed real estate agent active in the neighborhoods you are considering will be instrumental in helping you put in a solid offer based on their experience and other key considerations such as recent sales of similar homes, the condition of the house and what you can afford.”

Consider ways of making your offer stand out! Many buyers write a personal letter to the seller letting them know how much they would love to be the new homeowners. Your agent will be able to help you figure out if there are any other ways your offer could stand out above the rest.

4. Be Prepared to Negotiate

“It’s likely that you’ll get at least one counteroffer from the sellers so be prepared. The two things most likely to be negotiated are the selling price and closing date. Given that, you’ll be glad you did your homework first to understand how much you can afford.

Your agent will also be key in the negotiation process, giving you guidance on the counteroffer and making sure that the agreed-to contract terms are met.”

If your offer is approved, Freddie Mac urges you to “always get an independent home inspection, so you know the true condition of the home.” If the inspection uncovers undisclosed problems or issues, you can discuss any repairs that may need to be made, with the seller, or cancel the contract.

Bottom Line 

Whether buying your first home or your fifth, having a local professional on your side who is an expert in their market is your best bet to make sure the process goes smoothly. Give me a call and we’ll make it happen – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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29798 N 121st Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$469,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,851 SqFt

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MLS # 6677098

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Stunning residence featuring 3 bedrooms plus a den and family room, offering a spacious and flexible living environment. The interior is adorned with elegant 9+ flat ceilings creating an airy and inviting ambiance. The kitchen features granite countertops, a convenient kitchen island, and a walk-in pantry. Enjoy meals in style with the choice of formal dining, an eat-in kitchen, or the breakfast bar. Outside is a covered patio, perfect for al fresco dining and entertaining. This home is nestled in a community that offers a plethora of amenities, including a biking/walking path, children's playground, clubhouse, and a refreshing community pool and spa. Indulge in the perfect blend of comfort, luxury, and community living - your forever home awaits!

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6291 W Victory Way Florence, AZ 85132

Open House

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2.5 Baths

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Status Active

MLS # 6698944

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This home has gorgeous curb appeal. You'll be in awe of the impeccable features and upgrades this home has to offer. Featuring 3 bedrooms, a den, and 2.5 bathrooms, this home has plenty of space for you to enjoy! 10' Ceilings and 8' Doors throughout. Imagine making delicious meals in your gourmet kitchen that features a double oven and ample counter space. Stainless steel appliances. RO and Soft Water System is installed. Plantation Shutters throughout, Furniture negotiable, Hot Tub included (only 2 years old), Enjoy the beautiful Arizona Sunrises and Sunsets in your backyard under the extended rear covered patio. Take advantage of $1,500 Lender credit when approved financing through Blanco Mortgage.

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18570 W Honeysuckle Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$469,995

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,092 SqFt

Status Active

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15933 W Hackamore Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$469,995

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,448 SqFt

Status Active

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Come to Mason Ranch II in Surprise and discover our GRAND OPENING INCENTIVES!! Come and see this beautiful 3501 floor plan. This home features 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 3-Car Garage. Nestled on an oversized end lot with an extended driveway. This home is enriched with numerous upgrades and ALL appliances included!!! You will find white shaker cabinets, granite kitchen countertops, large kitchen island, custom full kitchen backsplash, large single bowl sink, stainless steel kitchen appliances, gas range, carpet and tile flooring, tankless hot water heater, 9' ceilings, 8' interior doors, pre-plumb for soft water loop, a comprehensive smart home package, an enhanced electrical package with cat 6 wiring, and more! Est. completion June 2024.

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19565 W Cambridge Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$469,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,070 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6697392

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Explore this thoughtfully designed Slate home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting front yard landscaping and driveway pavers. Included features: an inviting covered entry; an impressive kitchen layout offering 42'' cabinets, stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops, a center island and a roomy pantry; an open dining area; a spacious great room; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a covered patio and a 2-car garage. This home also offers stone tile flooring, additional windows and ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms.

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19631 W Cambridge Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$469,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,070 SqFt

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Explore this beautiful Slate home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting driveway pavers and front yard landscaping. Included features: an inviting covered entry; an open dining area; an impressive kitchen offering 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a roomy pantry and a center island; a spacious great room; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private upgraded master bath with Quartz countertops; a central laundry; a convenient storage area; a covered patio and a 2-car garage. This home also offers stone tile flooring, ceiling fan prewiring and additional windows in select rooms.

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2905 W Shanley Avenue Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$469,990

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,863 SqFt

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Price Type --

Welcome to Radiance at Superstition Vistas, a brand new master planned community located on the border where Mesa meets Apache Junction. This is a rare opportunity for optimal living - to have the convenience of City living while enjoying the breathtaking Superstition mountains! Small town feel meets modern amenities at its best! The JUSTIN-1863 sq ft, 4 bed/2 bath adorable, energy efficient single level home in which you will find tile in all common areas, 9 foot ceilings and on trend extra bright white walls. The kitchen has gorgeous maple cabinets, granite countertops & large island. Located close to the 24, 60 & 202.

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16076 W El Cortez Place Surprise, AZ 85387

$469,990

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,139 SqFt

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Brand new, energy-efficient home ready NOW! This single-story features a split floorplan with the primary suite tucked away in the back of the home. White cabinets with white granite countertops, and greyish brown carpet in our Distinct package. Five brand new designer-decorated models now open at Paloma Creek. Future residents will enjoy floorplans featuring covered back patios, private primary suites and ample storage. There's fun for the whole family at the community clubhouse, pool, outdoor kitchen, and future fitness center. Each energy-efficient home comes standard with features that allow your whole family to live better and breathe easier too.* Visit Paloma Creek today. Each of our homes is built with innovative, energy-efficient features.

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32783 N Slate Creek Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$469,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,808 SqFt

Status Active

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Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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2416 E Wagon Wheel Lane San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$469,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,219 SqFt

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Property Type Single Family Residence

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$469,900

3 Beds

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$469,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,606 SqFt

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Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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